Everywhere you turn in Istanbul a pair of watchful green eyes might peer at you from beneath a café table, or a fluffy tail might flick lazily as a feline lounges on a centuries-old stone wall. Istanbul belongs to the cats, and the people wouldn’t have it any other way.
Unlike many cities where stray animals are seen as a problem, Istanbul embraces its feline residents. The cats roam freely, stretching out on park benches, napping in the sun outside mosques, and weaving between the legs of shopkeepers and tourists alike. But these cats are not just strays—they are community cats, lovingly cared for by the people. It’s not unusual to find bowls of food and water left outside homes, shops, and even historic sites, ensuring that the city’s four-legged inhabitants are well-fed and comfortable.
Istanbul’s relationship with cats dates back centuries. Some say it started during the Ottoman Empire when cats were valued for their ability to keep homes and marketplaces free of rodents. The city’s location along major trade routes meant that ships often brought cats with them to control rats, and many of those cats stayed behind, becoming residents of Istanbul.
There’s also a religious and cultural significance to the city’s feline love. In Islam, cats are regarded as clean and noble creatures, and Prophet Muhammad is said to have had a deep fondness for them. One famous story tells of how he cut off part of his robe rather than disturb a sleeping cat. Many Istanbul residents continue to honor this respect today, ensuring that cats are treated with kindness and dignity.
While every neighborhood has its beloved cats, a few have achieved celebrity status. One of the most famous was Tombili, a chubby cat known for his relaxed pose, reclining on a sidewalk like he was pondering the meaning of life. After his passing, the city honored him with a bronze statue in the same iconic pose, forever capturing his legacy. Another feline icon was Gli, a small, cross-eyed cat who resided in the Hagia Sophia. She charmed visitors for years, including world leaders, and was lovingly cared for by staff and locals alike until her passing in 2020.
As travelers, Istanbul’s cats remind us of the beauty of coexistence. They belong to no one and everyone at the same time, thriving in a city that has chosen to embrace them rather than push them away. In a world where urban environments often leave little room for nature, Istanbul’s street cats are a heartwarming reminder that humans and animals can share space in harmony.
So, as we wander through Istanbul’s historic streets, we take moments to pause and appreciate the cats—whether they’re curled up in front of a cafe or confidently strutting down the street. They are, in many ways, the true keepers of the city, watching over it one sun-drenched nap at a time.
